TOP COMMERCIAL FOOD WARMER OPTIONS FOR YOUR FOOD BUSINESS

The phrase “The customer is king” is especially true in the food business world. Customers not only expect their food to be well-cooked and delicious, but they also expect restaurants to provide food that is warm and safe for consumption. Commercial food warmers are crucial for every restaurant because they play a pivotal role in ensuring customer satisfaction and enhancing the efficiency of overall business operations. This article will discuss commercial food warmers, focusing on different types of major food warmers to get for a commercial kitchen, and provide suggestions for top-quality food warmers that may be ideal for your business. 

WHAT EXACTLY DOES A COMMERCIAL FOOD WARMER DO?

If restaurants waited and did not start cooking the food until after each customer had placed their order, customers would be left unsatisfied, and the cooking profession would be a nightmare. To optimize efficiency while providing good-quality food on time, restaurants use food warmers. A food warmer is a device commonly used in restaurants, buffets, catering services, and home kitchens to keep food at a safe, warm temperature until it is ready to be served. Food warmers come between the pot and plate, keeping the food warm and delicious until the final decisive moment.

WHAT IS THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NORMAL FOOD WARMERS AND COMMERCIAL FOOD WARMERS?

Commercial food warmers are specially designed for use in professional food service environments such as restaurants, catering businesses, and cafeterias, where large quantities of food are stored and served. The key difference between commercial and regular food warmers is that they are more robust and high-capacity. Regular food warmers such as small-sized chaffing dishes are used at home or in smaller settings. 

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON TYPES OF COMMERCIAL FOOD WARMERS?

Commercial food warmers are used in almost every food business, including restaurants and food businesses. Some commonly seen types are:

• Hot Holding Cabinets

In design and shape, hot holding cabinets look like commercial refrigerators. They are comprised of enclosed units with adjustable shelves. The heating elements can be controlled and are ideal for keeping large quantities of food at the desired temperature for extended periods. 

• Steam Tables

Whenever you go into a buffet or cafeteria, you are likely to see a steam table. A steam table is a commercial refrigerator with multiple compartments (often with removable pans) that are heated by steam generated from a heated water basin below

• Drawer Warmers

Drawer warmers are so named because they comprise easily accessible drawer-like compartments that keep food warm. Like drawer compartments, they can easily be pulled out to access the food or pushed back in to keep it warm. Fast-food kitchens often use these food warmers for items like rolls, tortillas, or other prepared foods. 

• Countertop Food Warmers

Countertop food warmers are smaller, portable, and often transparent units that sit on countertops. They are ideal for holding soups, sauces, or side dishes. They can come with different heating mechanisms, such as dry heat or water-based heating. You are guaranteed to see one at any Family Mart!

• Heat Lamps and Strip Warmers

Heat lamps and strip warmers are probably the most advanced models of commercial food warmers because they use direct infrared heat to keep food warm. Heat lamps are often used together with buffet lines or food preparation areas where food is temporarily held before serving.

 

• Pizza Warmers and Merchandisers

Typically featuring glass doors and adjustable shelves, pizza warmers are specifically designed for pizza. Because they keep pizza warm while displaying it to customers, they are famous in Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and other pizza establishments. 

 

• Soup Kettles and Tureens

Soup kettles are Electric or gas-heated containers designed to keep soups, stews, and sauces warm and ready to serve.

 

These commercial food warmers are essential in maintaining food safety and quality in high-volume food service operations.

 

HOW TO GET THE BEST COMMERCIAL FOOD WARMER FOR YOUR BUSINESS

The above list contains food warmers of all shapes and sizes, most suitable for use in different scenarios and settings. The most common problem businesses face when choosing commercial equipment in general, and food warmers, in particular, is not a lack of options but rather the lack of a trusted supplier. Most suppliers can provide good food warmers, but when it comes to commercial food warmers, few suppliers can deliver high quality, durability, and good customer service. Of those few, none is more remarkable than Wilprep.

As a market leader dedicated to quality and with several years of industry experience, Wilprep provides a wide variety of top-quality commercial kitchen equipment, including commercial food warmers. Check out the following models of food warmers from Wilprep’s collection.

Wilprep’s 5-Well Electric Steam Table with Storage Shelf 1000W

Featuring five 304 stainless steel heating tubes designed to provide fast and even heating, Wilprep's 1000W electric food warmer is designed to keep your dishes warm, fresh, and ready to serve on a daily basis.

MAIN ADVANTAGES

1. Precise Temp. Control: This commercial steam table allows the option to control each well independently using the knob controls, allowing you to set temperatures from 0 to 200°F. From delicate pastries to hearty roasts, every dish can be kept consistently at its ideal serving temperature.
2. Safer, More Convenient Use: After being tested for good quality and consumer safety under stringent conditions, Wilprep’s 5 Well Electric Steam Table obtained both ETL & ETLs certification, making it one of the most reliable and durable food warmers in the market. In addition, this stainless-steel steam table is highly resistant to corrosion and stains. The integrated 72"x8" cutting board allows you to prep ingredients at the table or effortlessly change out pans.
3. Superior Insulation: Investing in Wilprep’s 5 Well Electric steam table would be an intelligent business move that reduces cost and enhances customer satisfaction. This commercial food warmer is equipped with an aluminum silicate fiber insulation layer, which keeps dishes hot and inviting while operating with minimal electricity usage.
4. Efficient Organization: This food warmer simplifies your setup with an accessible storage shelf ideal for utensils, cookware, and more. Whether catering an event, running a bustling restaurant, or hosting a buffet, it seamlessly enhances your workflow.

 Wilprep’s 12 x 20 Full Size Dual Well Electric Countertop Food Warmer with 2 Pan Covers & Faucet

Wilprep's 1200W commercial food warmer is equipped with a stainless-steel U-shaped heating tube, which ensures rapid and uniform heating, keeping your dishes fresh and ready to serve for extended periods.

MAIN ADVANTAGES

1. Large Storage Capacity: This 12x20 in. full-size countertop food warmer, complete with a GN 1/1 pan. With this food warmer, your business can easily store and serve generous portions of different dishes.
2. Temperature Control: Precise temperature adjustments are easily made with the built-in ThermoProbe and convenient control knob, providing control from 0°F to 200°F to suit an extensive selection of dishes, from delicate pastries to hearty roasts.
3. Superior Heat Retention: Enjoy prolonged warmth for your meals with this bain marie food warmer's insulating ceramic fiber layer. It keeps dishes hot and inviting with minimal electricity usage. Its drainage faucet ensures effortless liquid disposal without manual hassle.
4. ETL Certified: Crafted from high-grade stainless steel and backed by ETL certification, this buffet server ensures superior corrosion resistance, easy maintenance, and a reliable cooking experience.

In addition to food warmers, Wilprep’s collection of kitchen equipment features a wide variety of commercial kitchen equipment, including commercial refrigerators, ice makers, ovens, and griddles, to help you expand your business, grow, and accomplish your food business goals.